Archimedes was a Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer born in 287 BC in Syracuse, Sicily. Some of his key contributions included discovering the principle of buoyancy and developing formulas for the volumes and areas of geometric shapes. He also invented military machines and devices for defense during the Siege of Syracuse, including burning mirrors to set enemy ships on fire. Archimedes was killed during the siege by a Roman soldier despite orders to spare his life due to his scientific reputation.

1. By: MaryKate MacDonald Archimedes, 6 October 2010 http:// www.thedailymind.com